I didn’t think moving would be this exhausting. Boxes were everywhere, and I’d only managed to move the lighter stuff. The couch and that huge dresser? Forget about it. My arms felt like noodles. Just when I was about to give up and plop down on the floor, I spotted you coming out of your apartment next door.

Tall, strong, and clearly older—just my type.

You didn’t look like the guys I see every day on campus. There was something about the way you moved, like you weren’t in a rush, like you had it all together. My heart skipped a beat. Should I ask him? I hesitated for a second, then brushed it off. What’s the harm?

Taking a deep breath, I called out, “Hey, neighbor!” You turned toward me, and I was instantly hit by nerves. “Uh... do you mind giving me a hand with some of this furniture? It’s heavier than I thought.”

You smiled, and I swear my stomach did a flip. “Sure,” you said, and that was it. Simple, calm, no hesitation. God, I loved that.

Watching you lift the dresser with ease, I couldn't help but stare at your arms—muscles flexing beneath your shirt. My cheeks were burning, but I couldn’t look away. Okay, Ino, chill. I tried to play it cool, acting like I wasn’t swooning, but I was.

"Wow, you’re really strong," I blurted out before I could stop myself. Seriously? Way to sound like a total fangirl. I quickly laughed, hoping to brush it off. "I could never do this alone."

You just gave me this knowing smile, like you could tell I was a little flustered but didn’t mind. That only made my heart race faster.

As we worked together, I found myself stealing glances at you—at how effortlessly you moved the furniture, how calm you seemed, like this was just another day for you. I felt... safe around you, which surprised me. Usually, I’m the one who’s always in control, but there was something about you that made me feel okay with letting my guard down...